Preserving, Interpreting, & Sharing Iowa’s History
Established in 1857, The State Historical Society of Iowa serves a vital resource for understanding the state’s rich past, culture, and development.
Explore Iowa’s History
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Learn
Explore K-12 education, National History Day, adult and lifelong learning opportunities, and more.
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Research
Browse books and periodicals, records, digital resources, collections, archives, and more.
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Support
See how you can make a difference to our mission through donations, volunteer opportunities, or donating artifacts.
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Grants
Learn about grants that help support historic preservation, research, authorship, and curation for Iowa history.
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Celebrate America 250 in Iowa
Discover what is happening in a community near you or plan an Iowa road trip to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026!
Locations
Visit Iowa’s History
Explore Iowa’s rich history by visiting the State Historical Society Museum, research centers, and historic sites while exploring archives of rare resources, artifacts, exhibits, and beyond.
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Caretaker Resources
Be a Historic Steward
Get access to toolkits, emergency guidance, collections care, and more with our resources for caretakers of historic artifacts and information.
Upcoming Events
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Publications
Explore Historical Journals & Magazines
The State Historical Society of Iowa offers publications past and present that will engage your eyes, ears, mind, and imagination.